Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari California T vs FORD F 150
How the Ferrari California T and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Ferrari California T vs FORD F 150: The Ferrari had 1 complaint and 12 recalls over 9 years, while the Ford F-150 had 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years. The Ford also reported 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the Ferrari reported none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari California T or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari California T
The Ferrari California T is a low-volume exotic, so it sees very few complaints—just 1 over 9 years. That single complaint is about the Takata airbag recall, where the owner waited too long for a fix. With 12 recalls but no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported, the main ownership concern is staying on top of recall notices, not frequent breakdowns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a mass-market truck with a huge complaint volume: 11,621 over 10 years, or about 1,162 per year. Owners report serious issues like transmission limp mode, electrical glitches, and even a rear window shattering. With 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death, the data shows a pattern of safety-related failures that buyers should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari California T | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Ferrari California T
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only complaint is about the Takata airbag recall, where the owner said the manufacturer took too long to repair it. For a buyer, this means checking that the recall work was actually completed is critical, since an unfixed airbag can fail in a crash.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FERRARI CALIFORNIA T. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FERRARI OF…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report the transmission suddenly going into limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear, often daily. Some also mention a 'lead frame' issue that can cause near-collisions, making this a major safety and drivability concern.
Complaints include the same lead frame problem affecting electrical signals, plus a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. These glitches can lead to unexpected failures and costly repairs.
One owner described the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, with no external cause. This points to a potential defect that could happen without warning, posing a risk of injury or distraction.
Although no sample text is provided, this is a top complaint category. Buyers should check for lighting malfunctions, as they can affect visibility and safety.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Ferrari California T — 12 recalls
The defect: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 48…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2018 488 Spider, 488 Pista, 2015 458 Speciale A, 2016-2018 488 GTB, 2015-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2016 F12 tdf, and 2016-2018 Carlifornia T vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment…
The risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 70.
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta,…
The risk: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September…
The defect: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 48…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Ferrari California T or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ferrari California T has far fewer issues per year (0.1 vs. 1,162.1), but that's partly because it's a low-production exotic. The Ford F-150's much higher rate means a used buyer is far more likely to encounter transmission, electrical, or other safety-related problems.
Key differences
- The Ferrari California T has only 1 complaint in 9 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 in 10 years—a massive difference in reported problems.
- Ford F-150 owners report dangerous transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; the Ferrari's sole complaint is about a slow airbag recall repair.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the Ferrari has zero in all three categories.
- Both have airbag recalls, but the Ford also has engine, seat belt, door latch, and other recalls, suggesting broader reliability concerns.
- Confirm the Takata airbag recall (NHTSA campaign 19V006000) has been completed; an unrepaired airbag is a serious safety risk.
- Check for any outstanding recalls on the airbag control module and hydraulic service brakes, as these could affect safety.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear—a sign of the common transmission issue.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of overheating or shattering, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were fixed.
- For the Ford F-150, ask for service records showing transmission repairs, especially lead frame or output speed sensor replacements.
- For the Ferrari California T, verify the Takata airbag recall was performed by a Ferrari dealer.
- During a test drive of the Ford F-150, accelerate hard and check for delayed or harsh shifting that could indicate limp mode.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the transmission (Ford) or airbag system (Ferrari).
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Ferrari California T | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 1 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Ferrari California T or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari California T vs FORD F 150
- Ferrari California T total complaints
- 1
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Ferrari California T total recalls
- 12
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Ferrari California T avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari California T
- Ferrari California T top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN